Young Closer Brings Ray Of Hope

FORT LAUDERDALE — Since Greg Olson in 1989 through 1993, the line of closers through Baltimore has been long and moved quickly. The Orioles hope the parade stops with Chris Ray.

Ray, 24, began last season with Double-A Bowie, Md. He came up to the majors June 13 and allowed one run in his first 17 appearances. Then he faltered for four games and was sent back to Bowie.

What happened next earned him a shot at the closer's job.

As a closer must, Ray forgot the games before he was sent down. When he returned, he didn't allow an earned run in 17 of his final 20 appearances, finishing with a 1-3 record and 2.66 ERA in 41 games.

"He went down and got his stuff and himself together," manager Sam Perlozzo said, "and when he came back, he was a different pitcher."

When he was recalled Aug. 23, Ray, a right-hander, convinced Perlozzo that he had the stuff to close, and he will get the first shot at replacing left-hander B.J. Ryan.

"We are going to throw him in the fire and see what happens," Perlozzo said.

In the final four games before being sent back to Bowie, Ray gave up seven earned runs, four homers and five walks. He was tired after throwing 82/3 innings in five games, and the results indicated it.

"It was my first time in the big leagues, and I was a little nervous," Ray said. "I settled down and pitched pretty good until just before I was sent down. I talked to B.J. He said that I could pout about it and probably not get back, or I could work hard, improve and get back quickly."

Ray started two years at the College of William and Mary before moving to the bullpen. He spent time as a starter and reliever in the minors.

"I like relieving better than starting," Ray said, "because you can throw every day. You are always in the game."

In the offseason, Ryan signed a five-year, $47 million contract from Toronto. He had 36 saves in 2005.

Olson (1989-93) saved 27, 37, 31, 36 and 29 games. Randy Myers closed in 1996 and '97, and the Orioles were a playoff team. Jorge Julio closed (2002-2004), but he was never as consistent or dominant as hoped.

"We hope Chris can do it," Perlozzo said. "It is a position that we need to stabilize."

If Ray can't do the job, the Orioles have right-handers Todd Williams, who has a record 222 minor league saves but only one in the majors, and right-hander LaTroy Hawkins (45 career saves), obtained from San Francisco.

"It is my first major league spring training," Ray said. "I want to make the team. My time in the big leagues last year will help."

Ray spent the offseason working on his location. He depends on his fastball and the ability to elevate it in the strike zone.

"You have to be aggressive and a little arrogant," Ray said.

ORIOLES FOCUS

As if the 2005 turmoil surrounding Rafael Palmeiro, the career fade of Sammy Sosa and the team's second-half collapse weren't enough to endure, the Orioles' offseason was rocked in December when All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada demanded a trade. Tejada, who signed a six-year, $72 million contract in 2004, complained that the team wasn't headed in the right direction. He later rescinded the trade demand. Tejada's happiness with remaining an Oriole will be worth watching.